Jim Harbaugh Reacts to Sign-Stealing Accusations

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh addressed reporters on Monday for the first time in nine days as allegations of the program engaging in an elaborate sign-stealing scheme continue to ramp up.

The No. 2 Wolverines (8-0) were on a bye last week. Saturday, they take on conference opponent Purdue. As of Monday, the Wolverines are favored by 32.5 points.

Harbaugh received several questions about the investigation during the press conference, mostly deflecting the questions to the game ahead.

"Team is refreshed. I am refreshed," Harbaugh told reporters during Monday's press conference. "We had an opportunity to spend time with the families after a good week of practice... We're in an onward mode. It's a one-track mind that I'm modeling and I see it throughout the program."

The coach came his closest to addressing the investigation when one reporter asked Harbaugh if he felt that a coach should know everything going on with the program. Ultimately, he referred back to his original statement earlier this month.

"I think that question probably answers itself," Harbaugh said. "I was forthright with the statement right away, but you're asking...yeah, I'll just leave it at that."

In the statement made on October 19, Harbaugh denied the allegations.

"I want to make it clear that I, and my staff, will fully cooperate with the investigation into this matter," Harbaugh said in the statement. "I do not have any knowledge or information regarding the University of Michigan football program illegally stealing signals, nor have I directed staff members or others to participate in an off-campus scouting assignment. I have no awareness of anyone on our staff having done that or having directed that action.

"No matter what program or organization that I have led throughout my career, my instructions and awareness of how we scout opponents have always been firmly within the rules. Pursuant to NCAA rules, I will not be able to comment further while this investigation takes place."

Harbaugh did his best to keep his answers directed toward the game ahead rather than the investigation.

"I got a one-track mind," Harbaugh told reporters. "I'm not going to be speculating, (I) can let others speculate that, but the various speculation that's out there would be unfair to the team."

One non-investigation matter Harbaugh did address was a report that Michigan had rescinded a contract extension. The Wall Street Journal reported that Michigan pulled a contract offer that would've made Harbaugh the highest-paid college football coach.

"I wouldn't say that's accurate," Harbaugh said. "No. And the university has a policy—we don't comment on contract negotiations until after the (contract) is done."